EMPIRE DAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1402, 25 May 1915, Page 3

EMPIRE DAY.

.Empire Day was celebrated by pupils of the local State school yesterday. The morning was devoted to lessons bearing on Empire matters. At 1.30 the scholars were ranged In the assembly ground, where the flag was saluted with military precision. In the spacious quadrangle the children and others present sang the National Anthem. Among those present were members of the committee and parents. Mr Jackson, head teacher, prepared an in terestingand versatile programme. The first item was a recitation “The Children’s Song ” (Kipling) nicely rendered by Mona McEwen, then followed an in spiring and patriotic song “British Every One” by Mr Aitken, third assistant. His fine baritone voice, clear enunciation and interpretation, was a treat to listen to. The children sang the chorus with great gusto. Master Gordon Perreau recited “ Children ot the Empire ’’very nicely. Dr. Mandl delivered a speech bearing on the great war and the part the Empire is taking therein. His call for three cheers for “the old flag” nearly lifted the roof. Mr Aitken then rendered one verse of the “Absent Minded Beggar.” The vocalist had barely started when showers of pennies were fired from all quarters amidst intense enthusiasm and despite the headteacher’s warning whistle the firing continued until the ammunition was exhausted. The amount contributed which, by the way, was in aid of the Belgian Fund, was 35s qd. Mr Jackson explained that the contributions were only solicited that morning and it was unnecessary to state the proceedings were entirely unrehearsed. He expressed his pleasure and appreciation at the practically spontaneous result. Master Alec Henderson recited “Admiral’s All,” very creditably. Mr Hornblow, chairman of committee, made a few appropriate remarks and on behalf of the headteacher presented the trophies to the winners in ‘ the school tennis tournament as follows: Girls — Rena Barber r, Stella Barber 2, Ella Patterson 3. Boys—Cecil Lawton 1, Roy Bullard 2, Moritz Mandl 3. ' 1